June 26 – Armed Forces Day of Azerbaijan

June 26 is celebrated as the Armed Forces Day of the Republic of Azerbaijan. It is an official public holiday dedicated to honoring the National Army for its outstanding role in safeguarding the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The history of this day dates back to June 26, 1918, when the Council of Ministers of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (ADR) established the Separate Azerbaijan Corps. This decision laid the legal foundation for the creation of Azerbaijan’s independent national army, the first of its kind in the democratic republic of the East.

During the years of independence, by the Decree of the National Leader Heydar Aliyev dated May 22, 1998, June 26 was officially declared the Armed Forces Day of the Republic of Azerbaijan and has since been celebrated annually.

This day is also an occasion to honor the memory of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the Motherland, express gratitude to veterans, and demonstrate the unity between the people and the army. The modern Azerbaijani Army proved its professionalism, strength, and combat capability through its historic victory in the 44-day Patriotic War (Karabakh Victory).